Strong Second Half Pushes Florida Past Miami in NCAA Tournament
Nov. 16, 2007
Gainesville, Fla… Freshman Karly Findorff scored two goals in two minutes as the third-seeded University of Florida women’s soccer team used a strong second half to defeat Miami, 3-0, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at James G. Pressly Stadium on Friday evening.
The host Gators advance to Sunday’s second round to take on UCF, while the Hurricanes close a strong season that included notice in the national polls, wins over two top-10 teams, a program-best fifth-place finish in the ACC and individual recognition for a handful of Hurricanes – including ACC Freshman of the Year Brittney Steinbruch and ACC Coach of the Year Tricia Taliaferro, who worked diligently with her staff and players to complete an impressive turnaround from the 2006 season.
This marked the second NCAA Tournament appearance for Miami’s 10-year old program.
“I’m really proud of this team,” said Coach Taliaferro. “We stuck to a game plan and created a lot of opportunities. I think the shot count is much more indicative of how this game truly went, but once Florida was able to get that first goal they really were able to build some momentum on that. I am so proud of this team. We will get back to work and keep improving and building this program.”
After an even first half that saw Florida edge Miami 7-5 in shots, the teams entered halftime in a scoreless tie. The Gators created the 11-8 advantage in shots in the second half, but needed just two minutes to put the game out of reach.
In the 61st minute, Karly Findorff headed in a free kick from Lauren Hyde for the first goal of her career. Less than two minutes later, Findorff added the second goal of her career, taking a cross from Ameera Abdullah and scoring from inside the box.
Ashley Harris added an insurance goal for the Gators in the 77th minute. As Miami senior goalkeeper Lauren McAdam rejected a shot from Florida’s Ashlee Elliott, Harris fired the ball right back into the net for the final 3-0 decision.
McAdam, arguably the best keeper in program history, registered six saves in her final game as a Hurricane and closes her Miami career as the program’s leader in saves (307), shutouts (15) and minutes in goal (5,797). Sophomore Beverly Goebel recorded a team-high four shots on the evening, while freshman Lauren Singer added a pair of shots.
SEC champion Florida has won 13 straight games, and has shut out 14 opponents this season.
